UK Government awards MakerClub with grant to support learning system for 3D printing and robotics

Funding will accelerate revolutionary learning system using 3D printing and robotics.

The UK government has awarded innovative projects across the country with a total of £1.1million for its “Learning Technologies: Design for Impact” competition.

From over 300 applications, 15 projects were selected to take their ideas forward and potentially be rolled out across the UK.

Brighton based MakerClub, was one of those key shortlisted winners. As specialists in 3D printed robotics, they have been awarded £80,000 to carry out a feasibility study into a new way of teaching code, electronics and design with 3D printing, together with a mobile app and revolutionary online learning process that will be trialled next year.

“We’re creating a collaborative online learning platform that works with companion robotic projects,” explained Simon Riley, the founder of MakerClub. “Robots are fantastic cross curricular learning tools and through 3D printing, we can deliver them globally. Rather than the usual ‘step-by-step’ construction guide, we want to create a ‘living’ environment where older ‘makers’ can teach younger through streaming video and live chat, people can upload their own robots for sale and we can play host to intuitive building instructions that are gamified and allow for wiki-style updates by their creators.”

A haptic feedback system that can deliver ‘tactile learning’ through tablet computers and a way of students visiting famous locations with virtual reality headsets were some of the other recipients of the grant along with winners; Technology Will Save Us, Anarkik 3D and Interactive Science ltd.

Riley added: “Our dream would be that someone with no tech experience could use our system and gain the equivalent of a degree in robotics over the course of a year - we hope schools and home learner worldwide will benefit from this research.”

MakerClub is currently working on its Indiegogo campaign to encourage makers to learn 3D printed robotics.